Inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies

ABSTRACT

Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user&#39;s body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer&#39;s and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/463,520, entitled “System and Method for IntegratingTransducers into Body Support Structures,” by Richard Barry Oser, filedAug. 9, 2006, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/061,924 entitled “Transducer for TactileApplications and Apparatus Incorporating Transducers” by R. Barry Oser,filed Feb. 18, 2005, and claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/706,718 entitled “A System and Method forIntegrating Transducers into Body Support Structures” by R. Barry Oserand Suzannah Long, filed Aug. 9, 2005, the entire disclosures of whichare hereby specifically incorporated by reference for all that theydisclose and teach.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stress is a significant factor in modern society. Stress is anemotional, physical, and psychological reaction to change. For example,a promotion, a marriage, or a home purchase can bring a change of statusand new responsibility, which leads to stress. Stress is an integralpart of life.

According to recent American Medical Association statistics: over 45% ofadults in the United States suffer from stress-related health problems;75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-relatedcomplaints and disorders; every week 112 million people take some formof medication for stress-related symptoms; and on any given day, almost1 million employees are absent due to stress. In view of this, it isclear that there is a need for improved means for stress reduction.

It has been found that certain types of relaxation help in reducingstress. In the alpha-theta states, people can reduce stress levels,focus, and be centered, i.e., not lost in the emotion of the moment. Inthese states, people can be more creative and self-expressive and bringmore clarity to all their ideas.

As the pace and stress of modern life has increased, research into thephysical, mental and psychological benefits of stress reduction has alsoincreased. Recently, research has centered on the positive impact ofneuro-feedback (EEG Training). The recent availability of powerfulpersonal computers has allowed widespread application of neuro-feedbacktechniques. Using feedback to increase the deeper, more relaxedbrainwave states known as alpha and theta, in turn, facilitates theability of the subject to understand the feeling of these states ofreduced stress and emotionality. Practice with feedback devices allows asubject to access alpha and theta more readily when the states areneeded and useful.

Feedback techniques may rely upon the use of tones or graphs on thecomputer screen to gauge access to the states. However, these desiredstates often are not easy to achieve unless the subject spends a lot oftime in practice sessions.

Another known method of achieving stress reduction has been to providephysical relaxation inputs, such as sitting on a beach or having afull-body massage. However, providing these inputs is usuallyimpractical when they are needed.

Therapeutic body support structures have the potential for providingphysical relaxation inputs in a convenient manner to reduce stress.Numerous attempts have been made in the prior art at providingtherapeutic body support structures such as chairs and tables thatprovide aural or vibratory stimuli. Examples include U.S. Pat. No.2,520,172 to Rubinstein, U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,191 to Paii, U.S. Pat. No.3,556,088 to Leonardini, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,880,152 and 4,055,170 toNohmura, U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,566 to Martinmaas, U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,376to Yamada, U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,249 to Abbeloos, U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,067to Yamada et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,225 to Vogel, U.S. Pat. Nos.4,813,403 and 5,255,327 to Endo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,871 to Komatsubara,U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,755 to Schmid-Eilber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,810 toSkille et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,055 to Eakin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,155to Bluen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,407 to Eakin and U.S. Pat. No.5,442,710 to Komatsu.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention may therefore comprise a methodof inducing tactile stimulation to a user through a cushioned transducerinterface using musical tonal frequencies comprising: placing higherfrequency transducers in a region of the cushioned transducer interfacethat induces the tactile stimulation to upper portions of a body of theuser with the musical tonal frequencies; placing lower frequencytransducers in a region of the cushioned transducer interface thatinduces the tactile stimulation to lower portions of the body of theuser with the musical tonal frequencies; applying the musical tonalfrequencies to the higher frequency transducers and the lower frequencytransducers; providing controls to the user that allow the user toseparately alter the intensity of the musical tonal frequencies to thehigher frequency transducers and the lower frequency transducers.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofinducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a foamlayer of a cushioned transducer interface comprising: providing atransducer that generates vibrations in response to a signal that isencoded with the musical tonal frequencies; providing a diaphragm thatis mechanically coupled to the transducer so that the vibrations aretransferred from the transducer to the diaphragm; placing the diaphragmin contact with the foam layer to transfer the vibrations from thediaphragm to the foam layer to induce the tactile stimulation to a user.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofinducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a coilspring of a cushioned transducer interface comprising: providing atleast one transducer that generates vibrations in a first predeterminedfrequency range in response to a signal that is encoded with the musicaltonal frequencies; providing a diaphragm that is mechanically coupled tothe transducer so that the vibrations are transferred from thetransducer to the diaphragm; placing the transducer in an interiorportion of the coil spring; coupling the diaphragm to the coil spring totransfer the vibrations from the diaphragm to the coil spring and to thecushioned transducer interface.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofinducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies using a rigiddiaphragm structure comprising: providing the rigid diaphragm structure;forming at least one first curved structure in a portion of the rigiddiaphragm structure, the first curved structure having a curvature andthickness that causes the first curved structure to respond to a firstset of predetermined musical tonal frequencies; forming at least onesecond curved structure in a portion of the rigid diaphragm structure,the second curved structure having a curvature and thickness that causesthe second curved structure to respond to a second set of predeterminedmusical tonal frequencies; attaching a first transducer to the rigiddiaphragm structure that vibrates in a frequency range that correspondsto the first set of predetermined frequencies; attaching a secondtransducer to the rigid diaphragm structure that vibrates in a frequencyrange that corresponds to the second set of frequencies.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofinducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in atransducer interface comprising: providing an electro-active polymermatrix array, the electro-active polymer array having a plurality ofmatrix array elements having predetermined shapes that are connected;providing electrical connections to the plurality of matrix arrayelements; disposing the electro-active matrix array in the transducerinterface so that tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies canbe induced in the transducer interface.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofinducing tactile stimulation in a transducer interface that is disposedin a cast comprising providing a flexible material that includes anelectro-active polymer matrix array; wrapping an area of a broken bonewith the flexible material; applying a cast over the area of the brokenbone and the flexible material; providing electrical connections to theelectro-active polymer matrix array so that electrical signals can beapplied to the electro-active polymer matrix array to induce tactilestimulation in the area of the broken bone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system in which multiple transducers and amplifiersare used to provide audio signals to a bed according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system in which multiple transducers and a singleamplifier are used to provide audio signals to a bed according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of a system in which multipletransducers are installed in foam of a bed according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising a bedequipped with transducers and sensors according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a transducersystem.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a diaphragm of thetransducer system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the transducer system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a coil springsystem.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rigid diaphragmstructure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a beddingsystem.

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an electro-activepolymer matrix array.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the electro-active polymer matrix array aftervoltage is applied to the electrodes.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anelectro-active polymer array.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a wellness simulation system.

FIG. 15 is a schematic elevation view of an embodiment of a beddingsystem.

FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a cast for assistinghealing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to an embodiment of the present invention, transducers andresonators are embedded in body support structures to contact a userthrough a transducer interface for the purpose of conveying sound energyin the form of musical tonal frequencies to a user's body bydistributing selected frequencies in selected spatial patterns. Bodysupport structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, mats, pads, tablesand other structures typically used to support people. The sound mayinclude various audio tones and/or music.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the manner in which transducerscan be placed in bedding or pads of various types for the transmissionof music tones to a user's body. As will be appreciated by those skilledin the art, transducer interfaces can be used not only in beds, but inpads or pillows that fit over the beds, massage tables, chairs, loungechairs, car seats, and airplane seating or just by themselves. Cushionedtransducer interfaces can be made in different sizes and thicknesses. Asshown in FIG. 1, a bed or pad 104 (cushioned transducer interface) has aseries of mid to high frequency transducers 110, 112, 118, 120 disposedat a location that is proximate to the head of the bed or pad 106. Inaddition, a series of low frequency transducers 114, 116, 122, 124 aredisposed at a location that is proximate to the foot of the bed 108. Ofcourse, the location of the transducers can be shifted either up or downalong the length of the bed to achieve the most desirable results forinducing music tonal frequencies into a user's body. On larger beds,such as shown in FIG. 1, two separate amplifiers 130, 132 and separatecontrols 140, 150 can be used to induce and control the music tonalfrequencies in the transducers. For example, amplifier 130 operates inresponse to the control 140 that controls the application of music tonalfrequencies to the amplifier 130. This can be achieved by using a hardwired control, or a wireless control, as schematically illustrated inFIG. 1. The wireless control can use RF signals, IR signals, etc.Control 140 supplies the source of music, and controls the applicationof the source of music to the amplifier 130. Similarly, the control unit150 supplies music to amplifier 132 either over a hard wired connectionor through a wireless connection, such as described above. Amplifiers130, 132 amplify the music signal and apply electrical control signals132, 134 to the transducers 110, 112, 118, 120, 114, 116, 122, 124.These transducers can comprise various types of transducers includingtransducers that are coupled to diaphragms, transducers that areembedded in foam, transducers that are embedded in the springs of aspring mattress or electro-active polymers, all of which are describedin more detail below. In that regard, one type of transducer that can beused is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/061,924 filedby Barry Oser entitled “Transducer for Tactile Applications andApparatus Incorporating Transducers” which is specifically incorporatedherein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches. Of course,any number of transducers can be used in the bed or pad 104.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention,amplifiers 130 and 132 are adapted to provide an external output portfor headphones or plug and play speakers. The output of the transducersand the external output port can be separately controlled.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which musical tonalfrequencies can be applied to transducers in a smaller bed or pad 104.As illustrated in FIG. 2, four transducers 210, 212, 214, 216 aredisposed in the bed or pad 204. Again, these transducers can be anydesired type of transducers such as described above. As shown in FIG. 2,transducers 210, 212 are mid to high range transducers. Transducers 214,216 can comprise low frequency transducers. Amplifier 230 receives amusical signal from the controller 240 through either a wired connectionor a wireless connection and generates control signals that are appliedto the transducers 210-216. Again, any number of transducers can be usedin the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cutaway elevation of one embodiment for embeddinga transducer in a bed or pad 300. The transducer 302 can be a transducersuch as disclosed in the above identified patent application entitled“Transducer for Tactile Applications and Apparatus IncorporatingTransducers”, Ser. No. 11/061,924, which has been specificallyincorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIG. 3, transducer 302 isdisposed in an opening 304 of a foam layer 306 of bed or pad 300. Thetransducer 302 is mechanically coupled to a diaphragm 308. Diaphragm 308extends outwardly from the opening 304 and engages the foam layer 306along the outer edges of the diaphragm 308. In addition, diaphragm 308is in contact with an upper foam layer 310. As an electrical signal isapplied to the transducer 302, the transducer vibrates in response tomusical tonal frequency and transmits those vibrations to the diaphragm308. The diaphragm 308 is in contact with the upper foam layer 310 andthe foam layer 306 (collectively referred to as cushioned transducerinterfaces) and transmits the musical tonal frequencies to foam layer306 and upper foam layer 310. Latex foam has been found to transmit themusical tonal frequencies efficiently to the user, but any desired typeof foam can be used. Transducers placed in foam may cause a heatbuildup. According to an embodiment of the present invention, heatbuild-up is managed by a temperature shut-off switch incorporated into atransducer. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, apoly-switch 312 may be used that turns off the transducer when itreaches a predetermined temperature. In an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention, an external heat-sink 314 may be placed in contactwith a transducer to draw the heat away from the inside of the bed or toanother area inside the bed to keep the temperature at an acceptablelevel.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a bed or pad 400 (cushionedtransducer interface) having a transducer 402 that is embedded in anopening 404 in foam layer 406. Transducer 402 is mechanically coupled todiaphragm 408 and diaphragm 410. Diaphragm 408 contacts the foam layer406 along the outer edges of the diaphragm 408 and is in full contactwith the upper foam layer 412. Diaphragm 410 rests on the bottom of theopening 404 to transmit vibrational waves into the foam layer 406. Inaddition, diaphragm 410 supports the transducer 402 in the opening 404.Musical tonal frequencies are applied to the transducer 402 whichtransmits the vibrational tonal frequencies to diaphragms 408, 410. Thediaphragms 408, 410 transmit the musical tonal frequencies to upper foamlayer 412 and foam layer 406.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a transducer system500. Transducer system 500 includes the transducer 502 that is coupledto the diaphragm 504. Diaphragm 504 can be made from a light, thinplastic material or composite such as a carbon fiber/Kevlar compositematerial. Plastics can include polycarbonate, polypropylene,polyethylene, or any other desired plastic material that is capable oftransmitting the tonal frequencies of music through the diaphragm 504.As also shown in FIG. 5 spiral openings 506, 508 are formed in thediaphragm 504 to form elongated members 510, 512. The elongated members510, 512 allow the diaphragm 504 to react to lower frequency inputs bythe transducer 502. The elongated members 510, 512 also allow forflexibility of the diaphragm 504 which further increases the transfer ofvibrational music tonal frequencies into the medium in which thediaphragm 504 is connected.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the diaphragm 504. As shown in FIG. 6, thediaphragm 504 has spiral openings 506, 508 formed on opposite sides ofthe diaphragm. Spiral openings 506, 508 form elongated members 510, 512on opposite sides of the diaphragm 504. This creates a balancedstructure for the diaphragm 504. The center structure of the diaphragm504 provides a structural basis for supporting the diaphragm 504 and theelongated members 510, 512. The center portion can also function as anarea for attachment of the diaphragm to a spiral spring as disclosedbelow with respect to FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the transducer system 500. Transducer system500 includes the transducer 502 and the diaphragm 504. The diaphragm canbe formed in a cone shape 514 in the area at which the diaphragm 504 isconnected to the transducer 502. The cone 514 provides structuralsupport to the diaphragm 504 and assists in transmitting the tonalfrequencies from the transducer to the diaphragm 504.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a coil spring system 800 that connects a coilspring 802 to the transducer system 500. Transducer 502 is disposed inthe interior portion of the coil spring 802. The diaphragm 504 ismechanically coupled to the coil spring 802 to transmit the vibrationaltonal frequencies from the transducer 502 to the coil spring 802. Thediaphragm 504 can have simple snap attachments that allow the diaphragm504 to easily connect to the coil spring 802. In addition, a transducer502 can be used that has a smaller diameter so that the coil spring 802couples to the diaphragm 504 closer to the cone 514 to provide morestructural rigidity at the point where the diaphragm 504 couples to thecoil spring 802. Extended portions of the diaphragm 504 can be used totransmit vibrations into a foam layer overlaying the diaphragm 504.Special coil springs can be provided, if desired, during construction ofa mattress that allow for insertion of transducers. In addition, thetransducers can be constructed to couple directly to the existing coilsprings so that specialized coil springs are not required. In addition,a customer can custom order a mattress that has the desired number oftransducers which can be easily inserted in the coil springs duringmanufacture.

FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric diagram of a rigid diaphragm structure900. The rigid diaphragm structure 900 uses a single diaphragm 902 thathas two separate curved structures 904, 906. Curved structure 904responds to transducer vibrations at a lower frequency and has apredetermined curvature that is less than the curved structure 906. Thecurved structure 904 provides a certain rigidity to the diaphragm 902.The diaphragm 902 can be constructed of various materials such as acarbon fiber/Kevlar composite that may have a thickness of aroundone-quarter inch, curved wood panels, various stiff plastics such aspolycarbonate and other plastic materials. The curved structures 904,906 are empirically tuned to have a sympathetic frequency that isseparated by a fourth on the music scale. Low frequency and highfrequency transducers can be mounted at any point on the diaphragm 902but are preferably mounted at center points or peaks 908, 910,respectively, to maximize the response of the diaphragm 902. In otherwords, if a high frequency transducer is mounted anywhere on thediaphragm 902, the high frequency transducer (not shown) will stillcreate a resonance in the high frequency curved structure 906.Similarly, a low frequency transducer will create a resonance in the lowfrequency curved structure 904, no matter where it is mounted on thediaphragm 902. The tuning of the curved structures 904, 906 is createdby the curvature and thickness of the diaphragm 902. The curvaturecreates a stiffness in the diaphragm 902 which varies the pitch. Inother words, a greater curvature will create greater stiffness so thatthe more the structure is curved the higher the pitch. For example, asshown in FIG. 9, the curved structure 906 has more curvature than curvedstructure 904, so that curved structure 906 responds to higherfrequencies than curved structure 904. In addition, the thickness of thediaphragm 902 adjusts the pitch of the curved structures 904, 906.Thinner materials respond to lower frequencies because the thinnermaterials can travel more easily for the excursions required at thelower frequencies. Again, the sympathetic frequencies of the curvedstructures 904, 906 are created on an empirical basis to create thefourth tonal differences on the music scale. For example, if thediaphragm 902 is 40 inches wide and approximately 80 inches long, acurvature of the low frequency curved structure 904 of approximately1.25 inches and a curvature of the high frequency curved structure 906of 1.75 inches, for a quarter-inch thick carbon fiber/Kevlar diaphragmcreates the fourth tonal frequencies desired. For example, low frequencycurved structure 904 may create a tone equivalent to “So” on the musicfrequency scale while high frequency curved structure 906 may create atone “Do” above “So”. The curved structures 904, 906 can be created bymolding the diaphragm 902 in a simple heated mold. Curvatures in therange of approximately 1 inch to 2.5 inches creates the desiredfrequency responses.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a bedding system 1000. Inaccordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10, a typical bedding system hasa mattress 1002 and a box spring 1006. Disposed between the mattress1002 and the box spring 1006 is an insert 1004 that includes adiaphragm. The diaphragm can comprise a coil spring transducer systemsuch as illustrated in FIG. 8, or a rigid diaphragm structure 900 suchas illustrated in FIG. 9. Further, transducers, such as transducer 302(FIG. 3) and transducer 402 (FIG. 4), can be placed in the insert 1004in a transverse direction and coupled to the structure of the insert1004 to produce transverse motion of the insert diaphragm 1004. Suchtransverse motions have been found to induce relaxation in a veryeffective manner. Of course, the rigid diaphragm structure 900 can beinserted in a mattress pad 1008 to effectively transmit musical tonalfrequencies to the user. For example, the rigid diaphragm structure 900may be placed under a thin latex foam structure in the mattress pad 1008to effectively transmit to separate tonal frequencies to the userthrough the mattress pad 1008.

Another type of transducer that can be used to transmit music and tonesto the surface of the body is an electro-active polymers (EAPs). EAPsare disclosed in an article entitled “Artificial Muscles” by StevenAshley, Scientific American, October 2003, pp. 53-59. Electro-activepolymers are polymers that move in response to an electrical current. Asdisclosed in the Scientific American article, supra,

-   -   “The fundamental mechanism underlying new artificial muscle        products is relatively simple. When exposed to high-voltage        electric fields, dielectric elastomers—such as silicones and        acrylics—contract in the direction of the electric field lines        and expand perpendicularly to them, a phenomenon physicists term        Maxwell stress. The new devices are basically rubbery        capacitors—two charged parallel plates sandwiching a dielectric        material. When the power is on, plus and minus charges        accumulate on opposite electrodes. They attract each other and        squeeze down on the polymer insulator, which responds by        expanding in area.    -   Engineers laminate thin films of dielectical elastomers        (typically 30 to 60 microns thick) on the front and back with        conductive carbon particles suspended in a soft polymer matrix.        When connected by wires to a power source, the carbon layers        serve as flexible electrodes that expand in area along with the        material sandwiched in the middle. This layered plastic sheet        serves as the basis for a wide range of novel actuation, sensory        and energy-generating devices.    -   Dielectric elastomers, which can grow by as much as 400 percent        of their nonactivated size, are by no means the only types of        electroactive materials or devices, although they represent some        of the more effective examples.”

Electro-active polymers can be constructed as diaphragm actuators thatare made by stretching the dielectric elastomer films over an opening ina rigid frame. Typically, the membrane is biased in one direction sothat upon actuation, the membrane moves in that direction, rather thansimply wrinkling. By using one or more diaphragms in this fashion, thatrespond to electrical currents, a tactile transducer can be produced fortransmitting tactile information to a user's body. These transducers canbe disposed in various types of transducer interfaces including mattresspads, yoga pads, shoes, elastic bandages such as Ace bandages, variouswraps and bandages, seat cushions, shoe pads, adhesive pads, and othersurfaces that can be used as transducer interfaces. These transducerinterfaces can be used, as disclosed above, to transmit tonalfrequencies, including music, to a user's body, to assist in inducingrelaxation.

In addition, patterns of compliant electrodes can be created on apolymer sheet. When high voltages of opposite polarities are applied tothe electrodes, the electrodes attract and move towards each otherforcing the soft elastomer outwardly from the electrodes. This causesthe areas between the electrodes to become thicker, i.e., createsbulges.

FIG. 11 illustrates an electro-active polymer matrix array 1100. Polymerlayer 1110 may have a thickness of approximately 30 to 60 microns.Electrodes 1102, 1104 are deposited on the surface of the polymer layer1110. The electrodes 1102, 1104 are flexible electrodes that compriseconductive carbon particles that are suspended in a soft polymer matrix.Leads 1106, 1108 are connected to the electrodes 1102, 1104,respectively. A high voltage of opposite polarity is applied to leads1106, 1108 which causes the electrodes 1102, 1104 to be attracted toeach other. Electrodes 1102, 1004 can be made in any desired shape toproduce the desired shape of the bulges of the EAP material.

FIG. 12 illustrates the EAP matrix array 1100 after a high voltage hasbeen applied to leads 1106, 1108. As shown in FIG. 12, the electrodes1102, 1104 are attracted towards each other and compress the softpolymer 1110. Electrodes 1102, 1104 actually move towards each other tomove the soft polymer 1110. This compression and movement of theelectrodes 1102, 1104, in response to the high voltage charges thataccumulate on the electrodes 1102, 1104, causes the soft polymer 1110 tomove outwardly from between the electrodes 1102, 1104. This causes thepolymer 1110 to bunch up and create bulges, such as bulge 1112, betweeneach of the electrodes.

The electrodes 1102, 1104 can form a two-dimensional matrix whichresults in a two-dimensional matrix of bulges that are capable ofoscillating in accordance with the application of the high voltageelectrical charge that is applied to the electro-active polymer matrix.Reasonably good frequency responses can be achieved with theelectro-active polymer matrix, depending upon the particular polymer1110 that is used. Frequency responses for transmitting musicfrequencies to users are achievable. Of course, different frequencies ofthe music can be applied to different portions of the electro-activepolymer matrix array. Simple bandpass filters can be used to filter theinput music, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 illustrates the use of an electro-active polymer array 1300 inconjunction with a music source 1302 that is coupled to a bandpassfilter/amplifier 1304. Music source 1302 generates music that is appliedto the bandpass filter/amplifier 1304. Bandpass filter/amplifier 1304amplifies the input signal and separates the input music into threeseparate frequency bands, a high band, a middle band and a low band. Theamplifier of the bandpass filter/amplifier 1304 amplifies each of thebandpass signals to generate a series of three high voltage outputcontrol signals 1306, 1308, 1310 that are applied to different portionsof the electro-active polymer array. For example, the high frequency,high voltage output signal 1306 is applied to a series of array elements1312 that are located towards the head of the bed. Similarly, highvoltage, mid frequency output signal 1308 is applied to a series ofarray elements 1314 that are located in the mid portion of the bed orpad 1302. Also, high voltage, low frequency output signal 1310 isapplied to array element 1316 that is located at the foot of the bed orpad 1302. Of course, any desired distribution of frequencies can beapplied in any desired manner. Multiple bandpass filters can be used tofurther divide the frequencies and apply those different frequencies tomultiple portions of the electro-active polymer array transducerinterface 1300.

FIG. 14 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising a bedequipped with transducers and sensors according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 14, wellness stimulation system1400 comprises bed 1404 that has an audio transducer 1410, EAPtransducer 1412, and/or sensor 1414 and 1416. While various transducersare illustrated, any desired type of transducer can be used. Aspreviously described, multiple sensors of each type may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

Audio signals are fed to audio transducer 1410 and EAP transducer 1412via amplifier 1430 under control of volume control 1440. The audiosignals sent to amplifier 1430 are retrieved from audio informationdatastore 1465 by audio/video (AV) controller 1460. According to anembodiment of the present invention, AV controller 1460 is programmableand may select audio information based on pre-programmed instructions orin response to sensors 1414 and 1416.

Sensors 1414 and 1416 obtain physiological data from the user of bed1404. By way of illustration, the sensors may detect heart rate,neurological data, and sounds produced by the body of the user. Thisdata is fed to AV controller 1460. AV controller 1460 may utilize thedata locally or send to the data via network client 1470 to a wellnessassessment server 1480 via network 1475 for evaluation. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, network 1475 may be a privatenetwork or a public network such as the Internet. Further, wellnessassessment server may evaluate the data received from sensors 1414 and1416 in conjunction with a medical history of the user.

The wellness assessment server 1480 reports its results back to AVcontroller 1460, which uses the information to select audio informationfrom audio information datastore 1465. According to another embodimentof the present invention, audio information datastore 1465 isperiodically updated by audio data server 1485 via network 1475 andnetwork client 1470. AV controller 1460 also connects to video system1450 and external audio system 1455. Using these connections, AVcontroller 1460 may provide a user of bed 1404 external video and audiostimulation based on pre-programmed instructions, in response to dataacquired by sensors 1414 and 1416, or based on user input. For example,the user input may be provided by a remote control, voice recognition,and/or wire connected control.

According to another embodiment, the AV controller 1460 furthercomprises a voice synthesizer to provide verbal feedback and informationto a user. This information may provide encouragement, the results ofthe sensor analysis, and instruction to the user. Using the networkconnection, the wellness stimulation system 1400 may also allow a userto interact in real-time a doctor, therapist or healthcare giver. Inthis way, a user can obtain wellness assistance at any time. Moreover,the wellness stimulation system 1400 may be used in hospitals,residences, nursing homes for diagnostic analysis, andvibrational/sound/resonance delivery for any medical, musical, and orvibrational information.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wellnessstimulation system 1400 functions as an awakening system. In thisembodiment, AV controller 1460 is programmed with a predeterminedwake-time setting. AV controller 1460 maintains a time of day andcontinuously compares the predetermined wake-time setting with thepresent time-of-day. At the predetermined wake-time, AV controller 1460generates a wake authorization signal, which can be sound, music, orvideo information, and communicates that signal to selected transducers,external audio devices, and external video devices. According to anotherembodiment of the present invention, the AV controller 1460progressively increases the signal power of the wake authorizationsignal and may further add devices to which that signal is transmitted.

FIG. 15 discloses a bedding system 1500 using the structures of variousembodiments disclosed above. As shown in FIG. 15, the bedding system1500 includes a mattress pad 1502 that may comprise a standard mattresspad as used on typical mattresses. Below the mattress pad is a latexlayer 1504. The latex layer is supported by a polyfoam layer 1506.Openings 1508, 1510, 1512 are formed in the polyfoam layer 1506.Transducers 1514, 1516, 1518 are disposed in the openings 1508, 1510,1512, respectively. Diaphragms 1520, 1522, 1524 are coupled to thetransducers 1514, 1516, 1518, respectively. The diaphragms 1520, 1522,1524 are embedded in the latex layer 1504 to transmit the vibrationaltonal frequencies into the latex layer 1504 and into the mattress pad1502. A support structure 1526 is provided that supports the polyfoamlayer 1506. The support structure 1526, for example, may comprise a boxspring layer. Electronics 1528 and a subwoofer 1530 may be attached tothe underside of the support structure 1526 by isolators 1532, 1534.Hence, the bedding system 1500 discloses an overall embodiment thatemploys various structures disclosed above that provides a beddingsystem 1500 that can transmit vibrational frequencies to a user.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a cast system 1600 for assisting thehealing of a broken bone in the lower portion of a user's leg 1612. Ofcourse, the techniques and systems illustrated in FIG. 16 can be usedfor various types of breaks and cast systems for other portions of thebody and FIG. 16 is merely illustrative of the manner in which the castsystem can be used to heal bones using the techniques illustrated inFIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, a sock 1602 is embedded with anelectro-active polymer array 1604 and sensors 1606, 1608, 1610. The sock1602 can be made of an electro-active polymer material or any otherdesired material such as an absorbent, soft material that can be usedadjacent to the skin of the user's leg 1612. The electro-active polymerarray 1604 can be embedded in the sock 1602 as well as sensors1606-1610. The cast material 1614 that holds the broken bone in place iscoated around the sock 1602 in the same manner as a standard cast. Theelectro-active polymer array 1604 may be disposed throughout thematerial of the sock 1602 as shown in FIG. 16 or simply in the area nearthe broken bone. Similarly, sensors 1606, 1608, 1610 are placed in anarea near the broken bone. The electro-active polymer array 1604 can becoupled directly to a battery/electronics pack 1616, but is capable ofgenerating tonal frequencies that are applied to the electro-activepolymer array 1604 that assists the broken bone and healing. Further,the electro-active polymer array 1604 increases blood circulation in theuser's leg 1612 which also assists in healing in blood flow. Outputconnector 1618 can be connected to the sensor 1606, 1608, 1610 toprovide biometric readings of the area around the broken bone. Thisbiometric data can include temperature readings, conductivity readings,sonograms and other information that may assist a doctor in evaluatingthe healing process. This information can also be transmitted to awellness assessment server in accordance with a system such as disclosedin FIG. 14 to evaluate the healing process and potentially modify thetonal frequencies, including musical tonal frequencies, that are appliedto the electro-active polymer array 1604. In that regard, the outputconnector 1618, is also coupled to the battery/electronics pack 1616which includes a microprocessor for generating the tonal frequenciesthat are used to assist the healing of the broken bone in the user's leg1612. Further, a foot pad 1620 can also be used with the cast system1600 for generating electricity to charge the battery pack 1616. Theelectrical generation foot pad 1620 can comprise a electro-activepolymer material which is capable of generating electricity or any othertype of system that is capable of producing electricity includingmovement devices that create electricity.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, andother modifications and variations may be possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims beconstrued to include other alternative embodiments of the inventionexcept insofar as limited by the prior art.

1. A method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequenciesusing a rigid diaphragm structure comprising: providing said rigiddiaphragm structure; forming at least one first curved structure in aportion of said rigid diaphragm structure, said first curved structurehaving a curvature and thickness that causes said first curved structureto respond to a first set of predetermined musical tonal frequencies;forming at least one second curved structure in a portion of said rigiddiaphragm structure, said second curved structure having a curvature andthickness that causes said second curved structure to respond to asecond set of predetermined musical tonal frequencies; attaching a firsttransducer to said rigid diaphragm structure that vibrates in afrequency range that corresponds to said first set of predeterminedfrequencies; attaching a second transducer to said rigid diaphragmstructure that vibrates in a frequency range that corresponds to saidsecond set of frequencies.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:forming additional curved structures in said rigid diaphragm structurethat respond to additional sets of musical tonal frequencies.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising: attaching additional transducersto said rigid diaphragm structure that vibrate at frequencies thatcorrespond to said additional sets of musical tonal frequencies.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said process of attaching said firsttransducer to said rigid diaphragm and attaching said second transducerto said rigid diaphragm comprises: attaching first transducer to saidrigid diaphragm at a location that corresponds to a peak of said firstcurved structure; attaching said second transducer to said rigiddiaphragm at a location that corresponds to a peak of said second curvedstructure.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: placing saidrigid diaphragm as an insert between a box spring and a mattress toinduce tactile stimulation of said musical tonal frequencies in abedding system.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: placingsaid rigid diaphragm below a cushion in a chair to induce tactilestimulation of said musical tonal frequencies in said chair.
 7. A methodof inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in atransducer interface comprising: providing an electro-active polymermatrix array, said electro-active polymer array having a plurality ofmatrix array elements having predetermined shapes that are connected;providing electrical connections to said plurality of matrix arrayelements; disposing said electro-active matrix array in said transducerinterface so that tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies canbe induced in said transducer interface.
 8. The method of claim 7further comprising: providing a source of musical tonal frequencies;amplifying said musical tonal frequencies to create control signals thatare encoded with said musical tonal frequencies; applying said controlsignals to said electrical connections.
 9. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising: bandpass filtering said source of musical tonal frequenciesto create a plurality of filtered bandpass frequency signals that eachhave a predetermined frequency range; applying said plurality offiltered bandpass frequency signals to said plurality of matrix arrayelements at different spatial locations on said electro-active polymermatrix according to said frequency range of said plurality of filteredbandpass frequency signals.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein saidprocess of disposing said electro-active matrix array in said transducerinterface comprises: disposing said electro-active matrix array in anexercise pad.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein said process ofdisposing said electro-active matrix array in said transducer interfacecomprises: disposing said electro-active matrix array in a chair pad.12. The method of claim 7 wherein said process of disposing saidelectro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:disposing said electro-active matrix array in a mattress pad.
 13. Themethod of claim 7 wherein said process of disposing said electro-activematrix array in said transducer interface comprises: disposing saidelectro-active matrix array in a padded table.
 14. The method of claim 7wherein said process of disposing said electro-active matrix array insaid transducer interface comprises: disposing said electro-activematrix array in an elastic bandage wrap.
 15. The method of claim 7wherein said process of disposing said electro-active matrix array insaid transducer interface comprises: disposing said electro-activematrix array in an adhesive bandage.
 16. The method of claim 7 whereinsaid process of disposing said electro-active matrix array in saidtransducer interface comprises: disposing said electro-active matrixarray in a cast.
 17. The method of claim 7 wherein said step ofproviding an electro-active polymer matrix array comprises: providing anelectro-active polymer matrix array that has diaphragm actuators. 18.The method of claim 7 wherein said step of providing an electro-activepolymer matrix array comprises: providing an electro-active polymermatrix array that has compliant electrode actuators.
 19. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising: embedding sensors in said transducerinterface; detecting physiological data of a user from said sensorsanalyzing said physiological data; selecting said musical tonalfrequencies based upon results of analysis of said physiological data.